Dental Braces in Ballwin, MO

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Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and bite problems affect how you chew, speak, and feel about your smile. At Legacy Dental Care, we straighten teeth with braces built around your bite, your goals, and your schedule. We treat teens and adults across Ballwin, MO with a clear plan, honest pricing, and steady follow-up from the first visit to the final retainer.

What Are Dental Braces 4

What Are Dental Braces?

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Dental braces move teeth into healthier positions through steady, controlled pressure. Fixed braces use brackets attached to the teeth and a wire passing through each bracket. Clear aligners use a planned series of removable trays.

Both approaches aim to improve tooth position and bite alignment. Your treatment choice depends on the amount of movement needed, your oral health, your age, and your ability to follow care instructions. 

What Problems Do Dental Braces Address

What Problems Do Dental Braces Address?

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Orthodontic treatment addresses tooth and bite concerns such as:

  • Crowded teeth with too little space.
  • Gaps between teeth.
  • Crooked or rotated teeth.
  • Upper teeth extending too far forward.
  • Lower teeth extending beyond upper teeth.
  • Teeth meeting unevenly on one or both sides.
  • Front teeth failing to meet during biting.
  • Bite pressure concentrated on selected teeth.
  • Tooth positions which make brushing and flossing difficult.
An examination identifies the source and severity of your concern. Your treatment plan then outlines the desired tooth movements, estimated timeline, visit schedule, and retention plan.
Signs You Need Braces (1)

Signs You Need Braces

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Consider an orthodontic evaluation when you notice:

  • Teeth overlapping or growing out of line.
  • Large spaces between teeth.
  • Difficulty biting or chewing.
  • Uneven tooth wear.
  • Frequent cheek or lip biting.
  • Jaw strain linked with an uneven bite.
  • Teeth which feel difficult to clean.
  • A smile change affecting your confidence.
  • Previous orthodontic results starting to shift.
Children, teens, and adults all receive orthodontic evaluations. Age alone does not rule out treatment. Healthy teeth and gums remain important before tooth movement begins.

Dental Braces Options

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Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces use small brackets and wires to guide tooth movement. Fixed appliances provide close control over complex tooth positions. They remain on the teeth throughout active treatment and require careful cleaning around each bracket.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use tooth colored or clear brackets. Their lower visibility appeals to patients seeking a less noticeable fixed option. Ceramic components still require strong daily hygiene and careful food choices.

Clear Aligners (5)

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use removable trays designed for planned tooth movement. You remove them for meals, brushing, and flossing. Consistent daily wear remains essential. Legacy Dental Care offers Invisalign and clear braces, with treatment planned around your bite and smile goals.

How Does Braces Treatment Work

How Does Braces Treatment Work?

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Treatment follows a planned sequence.
Preparation
Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite, and oral health before treatment, then treats cavities or gum problems before orthodontic movement begins safely and effectively.
Your dentist attaches brackets and wires to your teeth, or provides your first clear aligner sets with instructions for daily wear, cleaning, storage, and care.
Braces or aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure to selected teeth, guiding them gradually toward planned positions while protecting the gums, roots, bone, and surrounding tissues.
Regular appointments allow your dentist to review tooth movement, check comfort, examine oral hygiene, assess appliance condition, and confirm treatment continues according to the plan.
Your dentist changes wires, elastics, or other components, or provides new aligner sets, to continue planned movement and guide specific teeth through each treatment stage.
Near the end of treatment, your dentist makes detailed corrections to tooth position, spacing, and bite contact so your final result feels balanced and stable.
After active treatment ends, you wear a retainer as directed to hold your teeth in place while the surrounding tissues adjust to their new positions.

Our Happy Client Testimonials

Looking for a comfortable dental visit? Read real reviews from our patients.
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Robert H.
8 months ago
Excellent....

Dr. Cousins and the entire staff are extremely efficient and friendly. Dr. Cousins is incredibly detail oriented. The dental hygiene staff are terrific as well as the office personnel. I would recommend Legacy Dental to anyone. You are treated, and respected, as a patient not as a number.
Galina Reznikov
8 months ago
Dr. Cousins responded to my emergency dental situation and invited to be seen even in between his already full schedule. He was curious, kind, and attentive. He suggested a plan n moving forward. I can’t be happier. I’m confident I’m in good hands. Thank you.
Elizabeth Sippel
8 months ago
Haley and Kat always do a wonderful job and are so welcoming and helpful.
McKenna did a fantastic job cleaning my teeth as usual!
tonya hood
8 months ago
Wonderful experience. After not going to a dentist for over 15 years, I was not shamed or judged by anyone there. Highly recommend Dr. Cousins.
Greg Lyle
8 months ago
We were treated very well. Everyone is so caring while being very professional. They are also good listeners and diagnose the problem quickly. We would recommend Dr. Cousins and his staff with a 5 star rating.
Dr. Cousins and Legacy Dental hve been my provider for several years now. It's always a great experience. Efficient and great communication. I started invisalign with Dr. Cousins earlier this year and I am almost done with my treatment. The process has been very smooth and easy. More importantly, the results have surpassed my expectations!
Muhamed
10 months ago
Felt very comfortable and a quick and easy process. True professionals who hear you out and want to help. I enjoyed my first dental visit in over 5 years.. embarrassing to say but I’m glad I’m back on the right track and it all feels possible with the team here at Legacy! Thank you for accepting me as a patient.
Cameron Klos
10 months ago
I’ve been so impressed with Dr. Brandon’s care. He’s personable, respectful, and genuinely takes the time to make sure you’re comfortable and understand everything. You can tell he truly cares about his patients and takes pride in his work. It’s such a relief to have a dentist who’s not only great at what he does, but also kind and easy to talk to.
JJ Turner
10 months ago
Dr. Cousins and the entire Legacy Dental team are amazing! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with friendly smiles and genuine warmth. The front desk is welcoming and efficient, the hygienists are gentle and thorough, and Dr. Cousins takes the time to explain everything clearly so you feel completely at ease. The office is spotless and modern, and they truly respect your time—appointments run on schedule and check-in is a breeze. I never feel rushed or pressured; they outline options, answer questions, and make sure I’m comfortable at every step. Even the little touches—clear communication, easy scheduling, and thoughtful follow-up—make a big difference. If you’re looking for a dentist who’s professional, caring, and upbeat, Legacy Dental is it. I always leave with a brighter smile and total confidence in my care! Highly recommend
Janet J
1 year ago
Dr. Cousins is the best dentist I know. I’ve been to several but none so personable, caring, compassionate and knowledgeable as Dr. Cousins. What I love most is that he can relate to a problem and say ‘I know how you feel’ and work patiently create a plan of action that worked for me. I trust him 100% with my dental care and highly recommend his services. His staff is so friendly and I always feel I’m in the good hands! Thank you Legacy Dental!!!
Stephen Joiner
2 years ago
We all know going to the dentis most of the time is avery stressful filling. Legacy Dental made my appointments comfortable on every level. Dr.Cousins thank you and your staff for a great experience. Looking forward to my next visit.
Ryan J. Krupp
3 years ago
I think Dr. Darling deserves 10 stars, but I can only give 5. I haven’t always had the best experiences when it has come to dental care in the past but with Dr. Darling and her staff, it has always been better than expected. I have had the misfortune of needing to contact her office twice for urgent dental concerns. Both times the doctor personally contacted me OUTSIDE OF WORK HOURS to help me. If that isn’t the greatest level of patient care, I don’t know what is. I would highly recommend.
M. Moreno
3 years ago
Dr. Darling and the staff are always fantastic! They know are personable, kind and love their clients. They are sinply the best around!
Kristi Hill
3 years ago
Dr. Darling and the staff at Legacy Dental Care are fantastic! They are friendly and helpful people! The exam and cleaning were extremely thorough. I love that they are so organized and give a lot of communication about upcoming appointments, etc. I always feel like they are on top of things.
Kimberly Smith
3 years ago
New patient at Legacy Dental and I couldn’t be more pleased! Vanessa, my dental hygienist provided the most gentle yet effective cleaning I’ve had in years and Dr. Darling was very kind, approachable and thorough as she went over the status of previous dental work and the health of my mouth. I highly recommend their office for dental care!
JMG
4 years ago
I’m always happy with the job that Dr. Darling and the Hygienist’s do. The office staff was so helpful and courteous to me even when I needed to reschedule some appointments. I recently had some restoration work done by Amira and the results were excellent. I really like my new smile! Thanks again Legacy Dental.

Meet Brandon Cousins, DDS

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Dr. Brandon Cousins takes time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and explain each treatment option clearly. He studied at Westminster College in Fulton and the University of Missouri in Columbia before earning his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma Dental School. His approach centers on thoughtful, patient-focused care. He wants every patient to feel informed, comfortable, and confident when making decisions about their oral health and smile.

Brandon Cousins, DDS

Cost of Dental Braces in Ballwin, MO

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The cost of dental braces in Ballwin, MO depends on your tooth alignment, bite correction needs, appliance type, treatment length, progress visits, and retainer plan.

Orthodontic Treatment

Estimated U.S. Cost Range

Traditional metal braces

$3,000 to $7,000

Ceramic or clear braces

$4,000 to $8,500

Invisalign or dentist-supervised clear aligners

$3,000 to $8,000

Lingual braces

$5,000 to $13,000

Note: These estimated price ranges provide general budgeting guidance and do not represent confirmed fees from Legacy Dental Care. Your dentist will recommend a treatment option based on your teeth, bite, oral health, and smile goals.

Cost of Dental Braces

Financing and Insurance Options

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Dental Financing Available

We accept all Major Credit Cards

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Caring for Your Braces

Foods to limit: hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels, nuts, whole apples, corn on the cob, bagels, caramel, and sticky sweets. Cut firm fruits and vegetables into small pieces before eating.

Braces for Teens

Teen orthodontic care addresses developing tooth positions and bite concerns during an active growth period. Treatment planning considers school, sports, music, hygiene habits, and appearance preferences.

Clear aligners require consistent wear and safe storage. Fixed braces remove the need to remember trays but require extra cleaning and food limits. Parents should support appointments, hygiene, appliance care, and retainer use.

Braces for Adults

Adults seek orthodontic care for crowding, spacing, bite concerns, relapse after earlier treatment, or smile improvement. Treatment begins with an assessment of gum health, tooth wear, fillings, crowns, implants, and missing teeth.
Your dentist coordinates orthodontic movement with other dental care when needed. Clear aligners offer a discreet option for work and social settings, while fixed braces remain useful for selected movements.
Why Choose Legacy Dental Care for Dental Braces

Why Choose Legacy Dental Care for Dental Braces?

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Personal Treatment Planning
Your plan starts with your bite, oral health, concerns, and goals. The team explains each stage before treatment begins.
Legacy Dental Care offers Invisalign and clear braces as part of its cosmetic dentistry services for Ballwin patients.
The practice describes a collaborative approach where patient input guides treatment planning, and comfort remains a priority.
Routine exams, cleanings, restorative care, and cosmetic services remain available in one Ballwin dental office.
The practice serves Ballwin, Twin Oaks, Valley Park, Des Peres, Wildwood, Chesterfield, and nearby communities from 485 Wildwood Pkwy #5, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Book Your Braces Consultation in Ballwin, MO

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Take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile. Our team will examine your bite, walk you through every option, and give you a written plan with the full cost before treatment begins.

Call 636-235-7797 or visit us: 485 Wildwood Pkwy #5, Ballwin, MO 63011 to schedule your consultation.

We welcome patients from Ballwin, Wildwood, Twin Oaks, Valley Park, Des Peres, Fenton, Chesterfield, and Sunset Hills.

FAQs (8)

FAQs

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Am I too old for braces?
No. Adult teeth respond to braces at any age as long as your gums and bone stay healthy. We treat patients in their thirties, fifties, and beyond. We check your gum health first and treat any active issues before starting.
Yes. Teeth drift back toward their old positions without support. We fit you with a fixed wire behind your teeth, a removable retainer, or both. Wearing your retainer as directed protects the results you paid for.

Metal and ceramic braces sit on the front of your teeth and rarely change how you speak. A slight lisp for a day or two happens with some patients, then fades as your tongue adjusts.

Braces do not harm healthy enamel. Poor brushing during treatment causes white spots and decay around brackets. Consistent daily cleaning and regular checkups prevent both problems.

Yes, and they matter more than usual. Brackets trap plaque along the gumline. Keep your six-month dental cleaning appointments so your gums stay healthy through treatment.

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Conveniently Located in Ballwin, MO

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